Pesach really heralds in the spring and, thank goodness, we have seen some signs of the arrival of that beautiful season in recent weeks. The sun has made an appearance every now and then, together with some much-needed rain, and produced extraordinary results. All of a sudden, it seemed, splashes of vivid colour and new life appeared everywhere – purple and white crocuses, yellow daffodils, primroses of many different colours, big pink and white buds on the magnolia trees, cherry blossom bursting out, new buds on the wisteria, lambs gambolling in the fields… life becomes renewed and our spirits are lifted as we come out of the gloom of winter.

Many of the festivals in the Jewish calendar are linked to the agricultural cycle of the land of Israel – and to the seasons of the northern hemisphere – and indeed it is the agricultural aspect that reflects their ancient origins. Tu B'Shevat comes at the first awakening of spring in Israel (a bit early for us!). Passover reminds us of the springtime lambing season, and the first fruits of the harvest. Shavuot reminds us of the first of the summer harvest, and Sukkot the autumn harvest. All too often these days, especially for those of us living in an urban environment, our lives are more or less divorced from what is happening out there in nature – and we are much the poorer for it. Our monthly drive to Norwich at least gives me and Harry a chance to observe the changes going on in the landscape and the livestock.

I well remember the ‘rambles’ we enjoyed as youngsters, and matzah rambles were a special joy when the spring season could be fully appreciated. On April 29th, we will be having our own community encounter with nature, on our Mitzvah Day. The morning will incorporate all the usual Saturday morning activities of Cheder, singing and Engaging With Judaism (in fun and creative ways, I hope! – and for all ages), but will take place at Winterton Dunes, as Sarah Boosey leads us for a walk in the wild. (See the website and elsewhere in the newsletter for further information.)

I do hope you and your families will be able to join us, and I look forward to spending time with you, and celebrating together nature and the world in which we live. In the words of the Psalmist,

Bless the Eternal One, O my soul!
O my God, You are very great!
You are arrayed in glory and majesty.
You clothe yourself in light as with a garment,
You stretch out the heavens like a curtain.
You set the earth on its foundations,
that it might never be moved.
You send streams to spring forth in the valleys;
They run between the mountains,
Giving drink to the beasts of the field.
The birds of the air nest on their banks,
And sing among the leaves.
You make grass grow for the cattle,
And plants for people to cultivate,
That bread may come forth from the earth.
You made the moon to mark the seasons;
The sun knows its time of setting.
How manifold are Your works, Eternal One!
In wisdom have You made them all;
The earth is full of Your creations.
(From Psalm 104)

— Rabbi Rachel Benjamin